QUARRY
Suggested Reading: Acts 7
(click scripture link to read online)
The bus terminal at the foot of the hill many believe to be Golgotha, The Place of the Skull, where Jesus was crucified.
Key Verse: Acts 7:59-60
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The bus terminal pictured above is in an ancient quarry which is part of Mt. Moriah. On this mountain, Isaac was spared from death and God provided a ram to be sacrificed. On this mountain, God also provided the Sacrifice of His Son, our Saviour, Jesus. This may also be the place of the stoning of Stephen.
At least 10 times, Stephen, in his message, quoted from his Bible. How well do we know our Bible? Could we quote the Scriptures by memory? Have we read, marked, learned and inwardly digested the Scriptures as Stephen had done? Are we filled with the Holy Spirit as Stephen was? Are we acting, speaking, and loving as Stephen was? Here was a man who had come to be like Jesus. Saul of Tarsus was there. Later, as the Apostle Paul, Saul would write that we are, “To be conformed to the image of His Son.” Stephen had modeled this for the future Apostle.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
My fervent desire, Lord Jesus, is to be like You. By Your Spirit working in me, may I grow into all You desire me to be. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As a student in school years ago, I was always so very glad when I passed an examination. I believe that throughout my life God has given me examinations. One day I was sitting in a room at the Hamilton YMCA, praying with a young man named Gord. His face was buried in a paper bag which had airplane glue spread on the bottom. I had seen Gord a couple of weeks before sniffing glue in a park. I brought him home to Norma-Jean, who responded with love. This time, at the “Y,” God gave me an exam. Gord lifted his head from the bag long enough to spit in my face. The old David, who had a bad temper, was no longer there. I felt nothing but the love and compassion of Jesus. I had prayed in those early years, “Lord Jesus, when I grow up, I want to be like You.” I knew He was answering my prayers. Gord gave his life to Christ soon after this. Stephen, the first Church deacon, was truly like Jesus. He’s one of my examples of one who passed his examination with a mark of 100%.
Yours for becoming more like Jesus,
David
There can be no greater satisfaction, than when reflecting on our days events, we see our responses to be more Christ-like. Reading and memorizing scripture helps greatly. Even when we fail to act or speak accordingly, we are reminded, so long as our priority is to be guided by our relationship with Christ.
Wow, thanks, David! That is an awesome example of learning to serve and be like Christ. You exemplify the love and compassion of Jesus for sinners living on the edge. By reaching out to them, sharing Christ with them, praying for them, and being there with them–you are living the truth and glorifying God at the same time–just like Jesus did. Your belief in our Lord gives the Holy Spirit power to answer our prayers.
So happy to know Gord gave his life to Christ.
Amen!
Bless you, David!
Not long ago, I was watching a television show (on CTS of course) featuring Joe Amaral and New Testament subjects and sights. He was claiming that Jesus was most likely not crucified on the Hill but at the base of the hill close to a marketplace. The purpose for this was that the Romans would set those to be crucified as an example to other citizens of what could happen if their authority was defied, and what better way to be seen than by a marketplace. I thought this interesting, and a very plausible argument. Could the actual place of Jesus’ crucifixion be the present bus terminal parking lot? I guess nobody really knows and I don’t suppose it really matters as it’s just speculation, I just thought it was an interesting observation.
Amen to Bible reading and memorization, David. I can’t add to what you’ve already said in this regard. As to loving those who spit in your face? Whaooo, I give you credit David, I can’t say that I would have reacted the way you did. I commend you on your loving and gentle spirit. I pray by God’s grace that I would do the same..
I love your early morning blog…..it was so good getting to know the Mainse
family on our trip to Israel…….blessing on you at all times.
In Jesus name…..Claire
Good to hear from you Claire.
We too enjoyed our trip to the Holy Land.
Shalom,
Graham & Vivienne.
PS We think you were the oldest!
Thankyou !
Dear David ,
God Bless You and thank you so much for helping us in our daily journey through Gods wonderful Word. This morning I was reading Mark 15 and I underlined the Place of a Skull that my Lord died for me. After my personal prayer then I opened my email and started reading 100 words daily blog and see the picture believe to be Golgotha I am really touched. My God is mighty to save. God Bless You.
Dear Reynold, Thank you so much for the pictures May his repeated blessings be yours for the special way you express your love Thank you and we are blessed to have you in it! Genesis 12:2 (NIV) I will bless you…and you will be a blessing.
Memorization. Hmmm. I have known this is important since first becoming a Christian. After all these years I still seem to have so little memorized. I really struggle with this for some reason. I can take a verse/s and repeatedly read and say them through out the day, for days, and even a week. When I think I have it, I move on to another. A month later I can only remember a part of that first one, and often not the Bible chapter & verse. Frustrating!
Don’t worry Wanita the Holy Spirit will bring it to your mind when you need it
I know its not easy for me either.
” But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative that is, the Holy Spirit
he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you”
John 14:26
Lianne Hogg
very good word Lianne! Very encouraging!
David, I Iost my wife of 51 years on this past Rememberence Day, just as the televised service on parliament hill was closing. She never missed a service over the years and had a high regard for the military; her brother had been in the navy.
I can only imagine that as she breathed her last breath, that she was having a simmilia experience as Stephen; rising to the presence of Jesus.
Blessings,
Al Smith